Date:31/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/31/stories/2008053160020400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Control panel of metal detector missing

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: A control panel of a metal detector at an entrance to the Madras High Court premises was reported missing on Thursday.

A police constable has been placed under suspension in this connection. The disappearance of the instrument came to light when a constable reported for duty on Thursday morning. He preferred a complaint with the police, who are investigating.

According to police, metal detectors were being installed following a Supreme Court order.

The order followed bomb threats to public buildings, including court premises across the country.

A police officer said the metal detectors were being placed in the High Court in several places on an experimental basis.

The detector would alert the police on duty near the detector about any suspicious object that a visitor may carry on his person.

The new security system is expected to come into effect next month when the court reopens after vacation.